Herbert and Inge Littauer

Why did it take me 20 years to start the process? Why was it so difficult to decide what to do?

Well, it had to be right – it had to be progressive – it had to be multifaceted – it had to be congruent with my memories of my parents and it had to move with the times.

 So I did what I always do – talked to others who had embarked on similar journeys. Those I spoke with, were generous with their time, ideas and positively inspirational.

This in turn led me to MCF – to explore the territory – to find how they could help me articulate this project that meant so much to me.

I knew I was in the right place. People listened – they got what I was talking about. Ideas could be worked up – community links made – conversations started and plans creatively put into practice. There was initiative and accountability.

The things that appealed were that I could start in a small way and identify many strands of importance. MCF has a broad network and breadth of experience, so opportunities could be brought to my attention that I may never have thought of and I could also make small contributions to big projects and make a difference.

My father’s determination to give back to a community that enabled him to start his life all over again has propelled me to continue this initiative.

So I have made a beginning and here it is:

“The Herbert and Inge Littauer Fund of Melbourne Community Foundation would like to support an existing or prospective RMIT University student of refugee background to undertake nursing studies at either the TAFE or undergraduate level.

The Herbert and Inge Littauer Nursing Scholarship is offered in memory of Herbert and Inge Littauer who arrived in Australia as refugees from Nazi Germany in 1938-39 and began new lives.  The opportunity to study Nursing gave Inge Littauer the incentive to learn English, gain a recognised qualification and in turn contribute in practical ways to her community.  Inge Littauer was an intelligent woman who demonstrated courage and determination.  She paved new ways in her own life and would want others to have similar opportunities.”

Judy Stanton